7 Day Tanzania Budget Camping Safari

Your adventure begins with an 8:00 AM pick-up from your Arusha hotel, followed by a scenic three-hour drive to Tarangire National Park. Arriving around 11:00 AM, you'll begin your full-day safari drive in the 2,800 square kilometer park, known for its large elephant population and rich biodiversity. Explore various terrains, spotting wildlife like lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and antelope species, guided by your experienced safari guide. Enjoy a packed lunch at a designated picnic spot within the park, surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Continue your afternoon safari drive, looking out for iconic baobab trees and possibly tree-climbing pythons. Depart the park around 5:00 PM and head to Jambo Lodge, arriving by 6:00 PM for dinner. Conclude your day with a restful overnight stay at Jambo Lodge, preparing for another exciting day ahead.

After waking up and having a full breakfast, pack your luggage into the safari jeep and start an en-route game drive to the Serengeti with lunch inside the jeep. On the way, enjoy views of the Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Crater, arriving in Serengeti around 3 PM. You will then have an evening safari drive in central Serengeti, witnessing the sunset. Afterward, have dinner and an overnight stay at Seronera Campsite. Major attractions in the Serengeti include its endless plains and the great wildebeest migration, involving 1.5 million herbivores and their predators. Your driver guide will ensure you see part of the migration, including vast numbers of wildebeests, zebras, Grant’s gazelles, Thomson’s gazelles, elands, and impalas.

Wake up at 5:45 AM for an early breakfast at your Serengeti campsite, witnessing a breathtaking sunrise over the plains. At 6:30 AM, embark on a morning safari drive until 11:30 AM, spotting wildlife like lions, leopards, elephants, and giraffes in the ideal morning light. Return to the campsite for a hot lunch, relaxing and recharging while packing your belongings. After lunch, set off at 1:00 PM for an afternoon safari drive, heading towards the Ngorongoro Crater and spotting more wildlife along the way.

Enjoy the scenic transition from the Serengeti’s plains to the lush highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive at Simba Campsite in the late afternoon or early evening, where you can unwind with stunning views of the crater. Conclude your day with a delicious dinner at the campsite, sharing stories under the African sky. Enjoy your tent overnight stay, ready to explore the Ngorongoro Crater the following day.

You will wake up around 5:30 AM for breakfast, then descend to the Ngorongoro Crater floor where you can see the Big Five and various birds, including the black rhino. Enjoy lunch inside the crater while watching nature and high concentrations of flamingos. After a 6 to 7-hour game drive, ascend from the crater, pack your luggage at the campsite, and prepare for the drive back to Jambo Lodge. Once you arrive at the lodge, have dinner and rest overnight. On this day, you will also have a walking tour in Mto wa Mbu village to experience local life, see banana plantations, and taste local food. This tour provides a unique insight into the daily lives of the local people.

After breakfast, you will head to Lake Manyara National Park for a full-day safari drive, passing through picturesque landscapes. The park, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, is known for its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. You may witness the park’s famous tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos attracted by the algae in the alkaline lake waters. During your drive, you’ll also see elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and hippos in various habitats.

Visit the hot springs known as "Maji Moto" to observe fascinating geothermal features. Around midday, enjoy a picnic lunch within the park, reflecting on the morning's sightings. In the afternoon, visit a Maasai boma to learn about Maasai culture and traditions, engaging with the community and possibly witnessing traditional performances. Afterward, drive back to Arusha for dinner and an overnight stay at your accommodation, reflecting on the day's adventures.

Materuni village, located on the outskirts of Moshi in the picturesque foothills of Kilimanjaro, offers an authentic experience of local Chagga life. Wander through the village, passing homesteads, and learn about the Chagga homestead, including the crops they grow aside from coffee. Your guide will explain the coffee production process, from picking the beans to roasting, and you will enjoy a delicious cup of freshly brewed coffee. Following the coffee tour, take a short hike to the waterfalls, passing through local villages. Make sure to wear good shoes, as the path can be muddy. This lush area provides a unique and immersive cultural experience.